Selective propagation of energy in light field and holographic waveguide arrays

ABSTRACT

Disclosed embodiments include an energy waveguide system having an array of waveguides and an energy inhibiting element configured to substantially fill a waveguide element aperture and selectively propagate energy along some energy propagation paths through the array of waveguides. In an embodiment, such an energy waveguide system may define energy propagation paths through the array of waveguides in accordance to a 4D plenoptic system. In an embodiment, energy propagating through the energy waveguide system may comprise energy propagation for stimulation of any sensory receptor response including visual, auditory, somatosensory systems, and the waveguides may be incorporated into a holographic display or an aggregated bidirectional seamless energy surface capable of both receiving and emitting two-dimensional, light field or holographic energy through waveguiding or other 4D plenoptic functions prescribing energy convergence within a viewing volume. The waveguides may include different structures configured for each or all sensory system or energy domain to direct energy through refraction, diffraction, reflection, or other approaches of affecting the propagation paths of energy.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is related to energy directing devices, and specificallyto energy waveguides configured to direct energy in accordance with afour-dimensional plenoptic system.

BACKGROUND

The dream of an interactive virtual world within a “holodeck” chamber aspopularized by Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek and originally envisioned byauthor Alexander Moszkowski in the early 1900s has been the inspirationfor science fiction and technological innovation for nearly a century.However, no compelling implementation of this experience exists outsideof literature, media, and the collective imagination of children andadults alike.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of an energy waveguide system for defining a plurality ofenergy propagation paths comprises an array of energy waveguides, thearray comprising a first side and a second side, and being configured todirect energy therethrough along a plurality of energy propagation pathsextending through a plurality of energy locations on the first side. Asubset of the plurality of energy propagation paths may extend through afirst energy location.

In an embodiment, a first energy waveguide is configured to directenergy along a first energy propagation path of the first subset of theplurality of energy propagation paths, the first energy propagation pathdefined by a first chief ray formed between the first energy locationand the first energy waveguide, and further wherein the first energypropagation path extends from the first energy waveguide towards thesecond side of the array in a unique direction which is determined atleast by the first energy location. Energy directed along the firstenergy propagation path through the first energy waveguide maysubstantially fill a first aperture of the first energy waveguide. In anembodiment, the energy waveguide system comprises an energy inhibitingelement positioned to limit propagation of energy along a portion of thefirst subset of the plurality of energy propagation paths that do notextend through the first aperture.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element may be located on thefirst side between the array of energy waveguides and the plurality ofenergy locations. In an embodiment, the first energy waveguide comprisesa two-dimensional spatial coordinate, and wherein the unique directiondetermined at least by the first energy location comprises atwo-dimensional angular coordinate, whereby the 2D spatial coordinateand the 2D angular coordinate form a four-dimensional (4D) coordinateset.

In an embodiment, energy directed along the first energy propagationpath may comprise one or more energy rays directed through the firstenergy waveguide in a direction that is substantially parallel to thefirst chief ray.

In an embodiment, energy directed along the first energy propagationpath may converge with energy directed along a second energy propagationpath through a second energy waveguide. Furthermore, the first andsecond energy propagation paths may converge on the second side of thearray, the first side of the array, or between the first and secondsides of the array.

Furthermore, the structure of the energy inhibiting element may beconfigured to limit an angular extent of energy proximate the firstenergy location may comprise an energy relay adjacent to the firstenergy location. Additionally, the energy inhibiting structure maycomprise at least one numerical aperture, and may comprise a bafflestructure. The energy inhibiting structure may be positioned adjacent tothe first energy waveguide and generally extends towards the firstenergy location, or may be positioned adjacent to the first energylocation and generally extends towards the first energy waveguide.

In an embodiment, the array of energy waveguides may be arranged to forma planar surface, or may be arranged to form a curved surface.

An embodiment of an energy waveguide system for defining a plurality ofenergy propagation paths may comprise an array of lenslets, the arraycomprising a first side and a second side, and being configured todirect energy therethrough along a plurality of energy propagation pathsextending through a plurality of energy locations. A first subset of theplurality of energy propagation paths extend through a first energylocation.

In an embodiment, a first lenslet is configured to direct energy along afirst energy propagation path of the first subset of the plurality ofenergy propagation paths, the first energy propagation path defined by afirst chief ray formed between the first energy location and the firstlenslet, and further wherein the first energy propagation path extendsfrom the first energy waveguide towards the second side of the array ina unique direction which is determined at least by the first energylocation. Energy directed along the first energy propagation paththrough the first lenslet substantially may fill a first aperture of thefirst lenslet.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide system comprises an energyinhibiting element positioned to limit propagation of energy along aportion of the first subset of the plurality of energy propagation pathsthat do not extend through the first aperture. In an embodiment, thearray of waveguides may be arranged to form a planar surface, or may bearranged to form a curved surface.

In an embodiment, an element of the array of waveguides may be a Fresnellens.

In an embodiment, a shape of the first waveguide may be configured toadditionally alter the unique direction that is determined at least bythe first energy location.

An embodiment of an energy waveguide system for defining a plurality ofenergy propagation paths comprises a reflector element comprising afirst reflector located on a first side of the reflector element, thefirst reflector comprising one or more aperture stops formedtherethrough, and a second reflector located on a second side of thereflector element, the second reflector comprising one or more aperturestops formed therethrough. The first and second reflectors areconfigured to direct energy along a plurality of energy propagationpaths extending through the aperture stops of the first and secondreflectors and a plurality of energy locations on the first side of thereflector element. A first subset of the plurality of energy propagationpaths may extend through a first energy location.

In an embodiment, the reflector element is configured to direct energyalong a first energy propagation path of the first subset of theplurality of energy propagation paths, the first energy propagation pathdefined by a first chief ray formed between the first energy locationand a first aperture stop of the first reflector, and further whereinthe first energy propagation path extends from a first aperture stop ofthe second reflector towards the second side of the reflector element ina unique direction which is determined at least by the first energylocation. Energy directed along the first energy propagation path maysubstantially fill the first aperture stop of the first reflector andthe first aperture stop of the second reflector

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide system comprises an energyinhibiting element positioned to limit propagation of energy along aportion of the first subset of the plurality of energy propagation pathsthat do not extend through the first aperture stop of the firstreflector.

In an embodiment, a size of the one or more aperture stops of the firstand second reflectors may be constant, or may vary.

In an embodiment, the first and second reflectors comprise one or moreparabolic surfaces, such that a first parabolic surface of the firstreflector and a first parabolic surface of the second reflector areconfigured to reflect energy along the first energy propagation path. Afocal length of the first parabolic surface of the first reflector maybe the same as a focal length of the first parabolic surface of thesecond reflector, or may be different than a focal length of the firstparabolic surface of the second reflector.

In an embodiment, an additional energy inhibiting element may be locatedbetween the first and second sides of the reflector element.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide systems propagate energybidirectionally.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are configured for propagationof mechanical energy.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are configured for propagationof electromagnetic energy.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are configured for simultaneouspropagation of mechanical, electromagnetic and/or other forms of energy.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides propagate energy with differingratios for u and v respectively within a 4D coordinate system.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides propagate energy with ananamorphic function.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides comprise multiple elements alongthe energy propagation path.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are directly formed from opticalfiber relay polished surfaces.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide system comprises materialsexhibiting Transverse Anderson Localization.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting elements are configured forinhibiting electromagnetic energy

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting elements are configured forinhibiting mechanical energy

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting elements are configured forinhibiting mechanical, electromagnetic and/or other forms of energy.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating design parameters for anenergy directing system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy system having anactive device area with a mechanical envelope;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy relay system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of energy relayelements adhered together and fastened to a base structure;

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a relayedimage through multi-core optical fibers;

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a relayedimage through an optical relay that exhibits the properties of theTransverse Anderson Localization principle;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing rays propagated from an energysurface to a viewer;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an embodiment of anenergy waveguide system operable to define a plurality of energypropagation paths;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7;

FIGS. 9A-H illustrate various embodiments of an energy inhibitingelement;

FIG. 10 illustrates an additional embodiment of an energy waveguidesystem;

FIG. 11 illustrates an additional embodiment of an energy waveguidesystem;

FIG. 12 highlights the differences between square packing, hex packingand irregular packing for energy waveguide design considerations;

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment featuring an array of energywaveguides arranged in a curved configuration;

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment that highlights how a waveguideelement may affect a spatial distribution of energy passingtherethrough;

FIG. 15 illustrates an additional embodiment which further highlightshow a waveguide element may affect a spatial distribution of energypassing therethrough;

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment wherein the plurality of energywaveguides comprise diffractive waveguide elements;

FIG. 17 illustrates a lenslet configuration used to provide full densityof ray illumination for the desired angle of view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of a Holodeck (collectively called “Holodeck DesignParameters”) provide sufficient energy stimulus to fool the humansensory receptors into believing that received energy impulses within avirtual, social and interactive environment are real, providing: 1)binocular disparity without external accessories, head-mounted eyewear,or other peripherals; 2) accurate motion parallax, occlusion and opacitythroughout a viewing volume simultaneously for any number of viewers; 3)visual focus through synchronous convergence, accommodation and miosisof the eye for all perceived rays of light; and 4) converging energywave propagation of sufficient density and resolution to exceed thehuman sensory “resolution” for vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell,and/or balance.

Based upon conventional technology to date, we are decades, if notcenturies away from a technology capable of providing for all receptivefields in a compelling way as suggested by the Holodeck DesignParameters including the visual, auditory, somatosensory, gustatory,olfactory, and vestibular systems.

In this disclosure, the terms light field and holographic may be usedinterchangeably to define the energy propagation for stimulation of anysensory receptor response. While initial disclosures may refer toexamples of electromagnetic and mechanical energy propagation throughenergy surfaces for holographic imagery and volumetric haptics, allforms of sensory receptors are envisioned in this disclosure.Furthermore, the principles disclosed herein for energy propagationalong propagation paths may be applicable to both energy emission andenergy capture.

Many technologies exist today that are often unfortunately confused withholograms including lenticular printing, Pepper's Ghost, glasses-freestereoscopic displays, horizontal parallax displays, head-mounted VR andAR displays (HMD), and other such illusions generalized as“fauxlography.” These technologies may exhibit some of the desiredproperties of a true holographic display, however, lack the ability tostimulate the human visual sensory response in any way sufficient toaddress at least two of the four identified Holodeck Design Parameters.

These challenges have not been successfully implemented by conventionaltechnology to produce a seamless energy surface sufficient forholographic energy propagation. There are various approaches toimplementing volumetric and direction multiplexed light field displaysincluding parallax barriers, hogels, voxels, diffractive optics,multi-view projection, holographic diffusers, rotational mirrors,multilayered displays, time sequential displays, head mounted display,etc., however, conventional approaches may involve a compromise on imagequality, resolution, angular sampling density, size, cost, safety, framerate, etc., ultimately resulting in an unviable technology.

To achieve the Holodeck Design Parameters for the visual, auditory,somatosensory systems, the human acuity of each of the respectivesystems is studied and understood to propagate energy waves tosufficiently fool the human sensory receptors. The visual system iscapable of resolving to approximately 1 arc min, the auditory system maydistinguish the difference in placement as little as three degrees, andthe somatosensory system at the hands are capable of discerning pointsseparated by 2-12 mm. While there are various and conflicting ways tomeasure these acuities, these values are sufficient to understand thesystems and methods to stimulate perception of energy propagation.

Of the noted sensory receptors, the human visual system is by far themost sensitive given that even a single photon can induce sensation. Forthis reason, much of this introduction will focus on visual energy wavepropagation, and vastly lower resolution energy systems coupled within adisclosed energy waveguide surface may converge appropriate signals toinduce holographic sensory perception. Unless otherwise noted, alldisclosures apply to all energy and sensory domains.

When calculating for effective design parameters of the energypropagation for the visual system given a viewing volume and viewingdistance, a desired energy surface may be designed to include manygigapixels of effective energy location density. For wide viewingvolumes, or near field viewing, the design parameters of a desiredenergy surface may include hundreds of gigapixels or more of effectiveenergy location density. By comparison, a desired energy source may bedesigned to have 1 to 250 effective megapixels of energy locationdensity for ultrasonic propagation of volumetric haptics or an array of36 to 3,600 effective energy locations for acoustic propagation ofholographic sound depending on input environmental variables. What isimportant to note is that with a disclosed bidirectional energy surfacearchitecture, all components may be configured to form the appropriatestructures for any energy domain to enable holographic propagation.

However, the main challenge to enable the Holodeck today involvesavailable visual technologies and electromagnetic device limitations.Acoustic and ultrasonic devices are less challenging given the orders ofmagnitude difference in desired density based upon sensory acuity in therespective receptive field, although the complexity should not beunderestimated. While holographic emulsion exists with resolutionsexceeding the desired density to encode interference patterns in staticimagery, state-of-the-art display devices are limited by resolution,data throughput and manufacturing feasibility. To date, no singulardisplay device has been able to meaningfully produce a light fieldhaving near holographic resolution for visual acuity.

Production of a single silicon-based device capable of meeting thedesired resolution for a compelling light field display may not bepractical and may involve extremely complex fabrication processes beyondthe current manufacturing capabilities. The limitation to tilingmultiple existing display devices together involves the seams and gapformed by the physical size of packaging, electronics, enclosure, opticsand a number of other challenges that inevitably result in an unviabletechnology from an imaging, cost and/or a size standpoint.

The embodiments disclosed herein may provide a real-world path tobuilding the Holodeck.

Example embodiments will now be described hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and whichillustrate example embodiments which may be practiced. As used in thedisclosures and the appended claims, the terms “embodiment”, “exampleembodiment”, and “exemplary embodiment” do not necessarily refer to asingle embodiment, although they may, and various example embodimentsmay be readily combined and interchanged, without departing from thescope or spirit of example embodiments. Furthermore, the terminology asused herein is for the purpose of describing example embodiments onlyand is not intended to be limitations. In this respect, as used herein,the term “in” may include “in” and “on”, and the terms “a,” “an” and“the” may include singular and plural references. Furthermore, as usedherein, the term “by” may also mean “from”, depending on the context.Furthermore, as used herein, the term “if” may also mean “when” or“upon,” depending on the context. Furthermore, as used herein, the words“and/or” may refer to and encompass any and all possible combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

Holographic System Considerations: Overview of Light Field EnergyPropagation Resolution

Light field and holographic display is the result of a plurality ofprojections where energy surface locations provide angular, color andintensity information propagated within a viewing volume. The disclosedenergy surface provides opportunities for additional information tocoexist and propagate through the same surface to induce other sensorysystem responses. Unlike a stereoscopic display, the viewed position ofthe converged energy propagation paths in space do not vary as theviewer moves around the viewing volume and any number of viewers maysimultaneously see propagated objects in real-world space as if it wastruly there. In some embodiments, the propagation of energy may belocated in the same energy propagation path but in opposite directions.For example, energy emission and energy capture along an energypropagation path are both possible in some embodiments of the presentdisclosed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating variables relevant forstimulation of sensory receptor response. These variables may includesurface diagonal 01, surface width 02, surface height 03, a determinedtarget seating distance 18, the target seating field of view from thecenter of the display 04, the number of intermediate samplesdemonstrated here as samples between the eyes 05, the average adultinter-ocular separation 06, the average resolution of the human eye inarcmin 07, the horizontal field of view formed between the target viewerlocation and the surface width 08, the vertical field of view formedbetween the target viewer location and the surface height 09, theresultant horizontal waveguide element resolution, or total number ofelements, across the surface 10, the resultant vertical waveguideelement resolution, or total number of elements, across the surface 11,the sample distance based upon the inter-ocular spacing between the eyesand the number of intermediate samples for angular projection betweenthe eyes 12. The angular sampling may be based upon the sample distanceand the target seating distance 13, the total resolution Horizontal perwaveguide element derived from the angular sampling desired 14, thetotal resolution Vertical per waveguide element derived from the angularsampling desired 15. Device Horizontal is the count of the determinednumber of discreet energy sources desired 16, and device Vertical is thecount of the determined number of discreet energy sources desired 17.

A method to understand the desired minimum resolution may be based uponthe following criteria to ensure sufficient stimulation of visual (orother) sensory receptor response: surface size (e.g., 84″ diagonal),surface aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9), seating distance (e.g., 128″ from thedisplay), seating field of view (e.g., 120 degrees or +/−60 degreesabout the center of the display), desired intermediate samples at adistance (e.g., one additional propagation path between the eyes), theaverage inter-ocular separation of an adult (approximately 65 mm), andthe average resolution of the human eye (approximately 1 arcmin). Theseexample values should be considered placeholders depending on thespecific application design parameters.

Further, each of the values attributed to the visual sensory receptorsmay be replaced with other systems to determine desired propagation pathparameters. For other energy propagation embodiments, one may considerthe auditory system's angular sensitivity as low as three degrees, andthe somatosensory system's spatial resolution of the hands as small as2-12 mm.

While there are various and conflicting ways to measure these sensoryacuities, these values are sufficient to understand the systems andmethods to stimulate perception of virtual energy propagation. There aremany ways to consider the design resolution, and the below proposedmethodology combines pragmatic product considerations with thebiological resolving limits of the sensory systems. As will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the following overviewis a simplification of any such system design, and should be consideredfor exemplary purposes only.

With the resolution limit of the sensory system understood, the totalenergy waveguide element density may be calculated such that thereceiving sensory system cannot discern a single energy waveguideelement from an adjacent element, given:

${{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Aspect}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} = \frac{{Width}\mspace{14mu} (W)}{{Height}\mspace{11mu} (H)}$${{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Size}} = {{Surface}{\; \mspace{11mu}}{Diagonal}*\left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{\left( {1 + \left( \frac{H}{W} \right)^{2}} \right.}} \right)}$${{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {{Vertic}{al}}\mspace{14mu} {Size}} = {{Surface}{\; \mspace{11mu}}{Diagonal}*\left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{\left( {1 + \left( \frac{W}{H} \right)^{2}} \right.}} \right)}$$\; {{{Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Field}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {View}} = {2*{{atan}\left( \frac{{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Size}}{2*{Seating}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}} \right)}}}$${{{Vertic}{al}}\mspace{14mu} {Field}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {View}} = {2*{{atan}\left( \frac{{Surface}\mspace{14mu} {Verticle}\mspace{14mu} {Size}}{2*{Seating}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{Distance}} \right)}}$${{Horizontal}\mspace{14mu} {Element}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}} = {{FoV}*\frac{60}{{Eye}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}}}$${{Vertical}\mspace{14mu} {Element}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}} = {{FoV}*\frac{60}{{Eye}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}}}$

The above calculations result in approximately a 32×18° field of viewresulting in approximately 1920×1080 (rounded to nearest format) energywaveguide elements being desired. One may also constrain the variablessuch that the field of view is consistent for both (u, v) to provide amore regular spatial sampling of energy locations (e.g. pixel aspectratio). The angular sampling of the system assumes a defined targetviewing volume location and additional propagated energy paths betweentwo points at the optimized distance, given:

${{Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}} = \frac{{Inter}\text{-}{Ocular}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{Distance}}{\left( {{{Number}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Desired}\mspace{14mu} {Intermediate}\mspace{14mu} {Samples}} + 1} \right)}$${{Angular}\mspace{14mu} {Sampling}} = {{atan}\left( \frac{{Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Distance}}{{Seating}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{Distance}} \right)}$

In this case, the inter-ocular distance is leveraged to calculate thesample distance although any metric may be leveraged to account forappropriate number of samples as a given distance. With the abovevariables considered, approximately one ray per 0.57° may be desired andthe total system resolution per independent sensory system may bedetermined, given:

${{Locations}\mspace{14mu} {Per}\mspace{14mu} {Element}\mspace{11mu} (N)} = \frac{{Seating}\mspace{14mu} {FoV}}{{Angular}\mspace{14mu} {Sampling}}$Total  Resolution  H = N * Horizontal  Element  ResolutionTotal  Resolution  V = N * Vertical  Element  Resolution

With the above scenario given the size of energy surface and the angularresolution addressed for the visual acuity system, the resultant energysurface may desirably include approximately 400k×225k pixels of energyresolution locations, or 90 gigapixels holographic propagation density.These variables provided are for exemplary purposes only and many othersensory and energy metrology considerations should be considered for theoptimization of holographic propagation of energy. In an additionalembodiment, 1 gigapixel of energy resolution locations may be desiredbased upon the input variables. In an additional embodiment, 1,000gigapixels of energy resolution locations may be desired based upon theinput variables.

Current Technology Limitations: Active Area, Device Electronics,Packaging, and the Mechanical Envelope

FIG. 2 illustrates a device 20 having an active area 22 with a certainmechanical form factor. The device 20 may include drivers 23 andelectronics 24 for powering and interface to the active area 22, theactive area having a dimension as shown by the x and y arrows. Thisdevice 20 does not take into account the cabling and mechanicalstructures to drive, power and cool components, and the mechanicalfootprint may be further minimized by introducing a flex cable into thedevice 20. The minimum footprint for such a device 20 may also bereferred to as a mechanical envelope 21 having a dimension as shown bythe M:x and M:y arrows. This device 20 is for illustration purposes onlyand custom electronics designs may further decrease the mechanicalenvelope overhead, but in almost all cases may not be the exact size ofthe active area of the device. In an embodiment, this device 20illustrates the dependency of electronics as it relates to active imagearea 22 for a micro OLED, DLP chip or LCD panel, or any other technologywith the purpose of image illumination.

In some embodiments, it may also be possible to consider otherprojection technologies to aggregate multiple images onto a largeroverall display. However, this may come at the cost of greatercomplexity for throw distance, minimum focus, optical quality, uniformfield resolution, chromatic aberration, thermal properties, calibration,alignment, additional size or form factor. For most practicalapplications, hosting tens or hundreds of these projection sources 20may result in a design that is much larger with less reliability.

For exemplary purposes only, assuming energy devices with an energylocation density of 3840×2160 sites, one may determine the number ofindividual energy devices (e.g., device 10) desired for an energysurface, given:

${{Devices}\mspace{14mu} H} = \frac{{Total}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}\mspace{14mu} H}{{Device}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}\mspace{14mu} H}$${{Devices}\mspace{14mu} V} = \frac{{Total}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}\mspace{14mu} V}{{Device}\mspace{14mu} {Resolution}\mspace{14mu} V}$

Given the above resolution considerations, approximately 105×105 devicessimilar to those shown in FIG. 2 may be desired. It should be noted thatmany devices consist of various pixel structures that may or may not mapto a regular grid. In the event that there are additional sub-pixels orlocations within each full pixel, these may be exploited to generateadditional resolution or angular density. Additional signal processingmay be used to determine how to convert the light field into the correct(u,v) coordinates depending on the specified location of the pixelstructure(s) and can be an explicit characteristic of each device thatis known and calibrated. Further, other energy domains may involve adifferent handling of these ratios and device structures, and thoseskilled in the art will understand the direct intrinsic relationshipbetween each of the desired frequency domains. This will be shown anddiscussed in more detail in subsequent disclosure.

The resulting calculation may be used to understand how many of theseindividual devices may be desired to produce a full resolution energysurface. In this case, approximately 105×105 or approximately 11,080devices may be desired to achieve the visual acuity threshold. Thechallenge and novelty exists within the fabrication of a seamless energysurface from these available energy locations for sufficient sensoryholographic propagation.

Summary of Seamless Energy Surfaces: Configurations and Designs forArrays of Energy Relays

In some embodiments, approaches are disclosed to address the challengeof generating high energy location density from an array of individualdevices without seams due to the limitation of mechanical structure forthe devices. In an embodiment, an energy propagating relay system mayallow for an increase of the effective size of the active device area tomeet or exceed the mechanical dimensions to configure an array of relaysand form a singular seamless energy surface.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of such an energy relay system 30. Asshown, the relay system 30 may include a device 31 mounted to amechanical envelope 32, with an energy relay element 33 propagatingenergy from the device 31. The relay element 33 may be configured toprovide the ability to mitigate any gaps 34 that may be produced whenmultiple mechanical envelopes 32 of the device are placed into an arrayof multiple devices 31.

For example, if a device's active area 310 is 20 mm×10 mm and themechanical envelope 32 is 40 mm×20 mm, an energy relay element 33 may bedesigned with a magnification of 2:1 to produce a tapered form that isapproximately 20 mm×10 mm on a minified end (arrow A) and 40 mm×20 mm ona magnified end (arrow B), providing the ability to align an array ofthese elements 33 together seamlessly without altering or colliding withthe mechanical envelope 32 of each device 31. Mechanically, the relayelements 33 may be bonded or fused together to align and polish ensuringminimal seam gap 34 between devices 31. In one such embodiment, it ispossible to achieve a seam gap 34 smaller than the visual acuity limitof the eye.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a base structure 400 having energyrelay elements 410 formed together and securely fastened to anadditional mechanical structure 430. The mechanical structure of theseamless energy surface 420 provides the ability to couple multipleenergy relay elements 410, 450 in series to the same base structurethrough bonding or other mechanical processes to mount relay elements410, 450. In some embodiments, each relay element 410 may be fused,bonded, adhered, pressure fit, aligned or otherwise attached together toform the resultant seamless energy surface 420. In some embodiments, adevice 480 may be mounted to the rear of the relay element 410 andaligned passively or actively to ensure appropriate energy locationalignment within the determined tolerance is maintained.

In an embodiment, the seamless energy surface comprises one or moreenergy locations and one or more energy relay element stacks comprise afirst and second side and each energy relay element stack is arranged toform a singular seamless display surface directing energy alongpropagation paths extending between one or more energy locations and theseamless display surface, and where the separation between the edges ofany two adjacent second sides of the terminal energy relay elements isless than the minimum perceptible contour as defined by the visualacuity of a human eye having better than 20/40 vision at a distancegreater than the width of the singular seamless display surface.

In an embodiment, each of the seamless energy surfaces comprise one ormore energy relay elements each with one or more structures forming afirst and second surface with a transverse and longitudinal orientation.The first relay surface has an area different than the second resultingin positive or negative magnification and configured with explicitsurface contours for both the first and second surfaces passing energythrough the second relay surface to substantially fill a +/−10 degreeangle with respect to the normal of the surface contour across theentire second relay surface.

In an embodiment, multiple energy domains may be configured within asingle, or between multiple energy relays to direct one or more sensoryholographic energy propagation paths including visual, acoustic, tactileor other energy domains.

In an embodiment, the seamless energy surface is configured with energyrelays that comprise two or more first sides for each second side toboth receive and emit one or more energy domains simultaneously toprovide bidirectional energy propagation throughout the system.

In an embodiment, the energy relays are provided as loose coherentelements.

Introduction to Component Engineered Structures: Disclosed Advances inTransverse Anderson Localization Energy Relays

The properties of energy relays may be significantly optimized accordingto the principles disclosed herein for energy relay elements that induceTransverse Anderson Localization. Transverse Anderson Localization isthe propagation of a ray transported through a transversely disorderedbut longitudinally consistent material.

This implies that the effect of the materials that produce the AndersonLocalization phenomena may be less impacted by total internal reflectionthan by the randomization between multiple-scattering paths where waveinterference can completely limit the propagation in the transverseorientation while continuing in the longitudinal orientation.

Of significant additional benefit is the elimination of the cladding oftraditional multi-core optical fiber materials. The cladding is tofunctionally eliminate the scatter of energy between fibers, butsimultaneously act as a barrier to rays of energy thereby reducingtransmission by at least the core to clad ratio (e.g., a core to cladratio of 70:30 will transmit at best 70% of received energytransmission) and additionally forms a strong pixelated patterning inthe propagated energy.

FIG. 5A illustrates an end view of an example of one such non-AndersonLocalization energy relay 500, wherein an image is relayed throughmulti-core optical fibers where pixilation and fiber noise may beexhibited due to the intrinsic properties of the optical fibers. Withtraditional multi-mode and multi-core optical fibers, relayed images maybe intrinsically pixelated due to the properties of total internalreflection of the discrete array of cores where any cross-talk betweencores will reduce the modulation transfer function and increaseblurring. The resulting imagery produced with traditional multi-coreoptical fiber tends to have a residual fixed noise fiber pattern similarto those shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5B, illustrates an example of the same relayed image 550 through anenergy relay comprising materials that exhibit the properties ofTransverse Anderson Localization, where the relayed pattern has agreater density grain structures as compared to the fixed fiber patternfrom FIG. 5A. In an embodiment, relays comprising randomized microscopiccomponent engineered structures induce Transverse Anderson Localizationand transport light more efficiently with higher propagation ofresolvable resolution than commercially available multi-mode glassoptical fibers.

There is significant advantage to the Transverse Anderson Localizationmaterial properties in terms of both cost and weight, where a similaroptical grade glass material, may cost and weigh upwards of 10 to100-fold more than the cost for the same material generated within anembodiment, wherein disclosed systems and methods comprise randomizedmicroscopic component engineered structures demonstrating significantopportunities to improve both cost and quality over other technologiesknown in the art.

In an embodiment, a relay element exhibiting Transverse AndersonLocalization may comprise a plurality of at least two differentcomponent engineered structures in each of three orthogonal planesarranged in a dimensional lattice and the plurality of structures formrandomized distributions of material wave propagation properties in atransverse plane within the dimensional lattice and channels of similarvalues of material wave propagation properties in a longitudinal planewithin the dimensional lattice, wherein localized energy wavespropagating through the energy relay have higher transport efficiency inthe longitudinal orientation versus the transverse orientation.

In an embodiment, multiple energy domains may be configured within asingle, or between multiple Transverse Anderson Localization energyrelays to direct one or more sensory holographic energy propagationpaths including visual, acoustic, tactile or other energy domains.

In an embodiment, the seamless energy surface is configured withTransverse Anderson Localization energy relays that comprise two or morefirst sides for each second side to both receive and emit one or moreenergy domains simultaneously to provide bidirectional energypropagation throughout the system.

In an embodiment, the Transverse Anderson Localization energy relays areconfigured as loose coherent or flexible energy relay elements.

Considerations for 4D Plenoptic Functions: Selective Propagation ofEnergy through Holographic Waveguide Arrays

As discussed above and herein throughout, a light field display systemgenerally includes an energy source (e.g., illumination source) and aseamless energy surface configured with sufficient energy locationdensity as articulated in the above discussion. A plurality of relayelements may be used to relay energy from the energy devices to theseamless energy surface. Once energy has been delivered to the seamlessenergy surface with the requisite energy location density, the energycan be propagated in accordance with a 4D plenoptic function through adisclosed energy waveguide system. As will be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art, a 4D plenoptic function is well known in theart and will not be elaborated further herein.

The energy waveguide system selectively propagates energy through aplurality of energy locations along the seamless energy surfacerepresenting the spatial coordinate of the 4D plenoptic function with astructure configured to alter an angular direction of the energy wavespassing through representing the angular component of the 4D plenopticfunction, wherein the energy waves propagated may converge in space inaccordance with a plurality of propagation paths directed by the 4Dplenoptic function.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 illustrating an example of light fieldenergy surface in 4D image space in accordance with a 4D plenopticfunction. The figure shows ray traces of an energy surface 600 to aviewer 620 in describing how the rays of energy converge in space 630from various positions within the viewing volume. As shown, eachwaveguide element 610 defines four dimensions of information describingenergy propagation 640 through the energy surface 600. Two spatialdimensions (herein referred to as x and y) are the physical plurality ofenergy locations that can be viewed in image space, and the angularcomponents theta and phi (herein referred to as u and v), which isviewed in virtual space when projected through the energy waveguidearray. In general, and in accordance with a 4D plenoptic function, theplurality of waveguides (e.g., lenslets) are able to direct an energylocation from the x, y dimension to a unique location in virtual space,along a direction defined by the u, v angular component, in forming theholographic or light field system described herein.

However, one skilled in the art will understand that a significantchallenge to light field and holographic display technologies arisesfrom uncontrolled propagation of energy due designs that have notaccurately accounted for any of diffraction, scatter, diffusion, angulardirection, calibration, focus, collimation, curvature, uniformity,element cross-talk, as well as a multitude of other parameters thatcontribute to decreased effective resolution as well as an inability toaccurately converge energy with sufficient fidelity.

In an embodiment, an approach to selective energy propagation foraddressing challenges associated with holographic display may includeenergy inhibiting elements and substantially filling waveguide apertureswith near-collimated energy into an environment defined by a 4Dplenoptic function.

In an embodiment, an array of energy waveguides may define a pluralityof energy propagation paths for each waveguide element configured toextend through and substantially fill the waveguide element's effectiveaperture in unique directions defined by a prescribed 4D function to aplurality of energy locations along a seamless energy surface inhibitedby one or more elements positioned to limit propagation of each energylocation to only pass through a single waveguide element.

In an embodiment, multiple energy domains may be configured within asingle, or between multiple energy waveguides to direct one or moresensory holographic energy propagations including visual, acoustic,tactile or other energy domains.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides and seamless energy surface areconfigured to both receive and emit one or more energy domains toprovide bidirectional energy propagation throughout the system.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are configured to propagatenon-linear or non-regular distributions of energy, includingnon-transmitting void regions, leveraging digitally encoded,diffractive, refractive, reflective, grin, holographic, Fresnel, or thelike waveguide configurations for any seamless energy surfaceorientation including wall, table, floor, ceiling, room, or othergeometry based environments. In an additional embodiment, an energywaveguide element may be configured to produce various geometries thatprovide any surface profile and/or tabletop viewing allowing users toview holographic imagery from all around the energy surface in a360-degree configuration.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide array elements may be reflectivesurfaces and the arrangement of the elements may be hexagonal, square,irregular, semi-regular, curved, non-planar, spherical, cylindrical,tilted regular, tilted irregular, spatially varying and/ormulti-layered.

For any component within the seamless energy surface, waveguide, orrelay components may include, but not limited to, optical fiber,silicon, glass, polymer, optical relays, diffractive, holographic,refractive, or reflective elements, optical face plates, energycombiners, beam splitters, prisms, polarization elements, spatial lightmodulators, active pixels, liquid crystal cells, transparent displays,or any similar materials exhibiting Anderson localization or totalinternal reflection.

Realizing the Holodeck: Aggregation of Bidirectional Seamless EnergySurface Systems to Stimulate Human Sensory Receptors Within HolographicEnvironments

It is possible to construct large-scale environments of seamless energysurface systems by tiling, fusing, bonding, attaching, and/or stitchingmultiple seamless energy surfaces together forming arbitrary sizes,shapes, contours or form-factors including entire rooms. Each energysurface system may comprise an assembly having a base structure, energysurface, relays, waveguide, devices, and electronics, collectivelyconfigured for bidirectional holographic energy propagation, emission,reflection, or sensing.

In an embodiment, an environment of tiled seamless energy systems areaggregated to form large seamless planar or curved walls includinginstallations comprising up to all surfaces in a given environment, andconfigured as any combination of seamless, discontinuous planar,faceted, curved, cylindrical, spherical, geometric, or non-regulargeometries.

In an embodiment, aggregated tiles of planar surfaces form wall-sizedsystems for theatrical or venue-based holographic entertainment. In anembodiment, aggregated tiles of planar surfaces cover a room with fourto six walls including both ceiling and floor for cave-based holographicinstallations. In an embodiment, aggregated tiles of curved surfacesproduce a cylindrical seamless environment for immersive holographicinstallations. In an embodiment, aggregated tiles of seamless sphericalsurfaces form a holographic dome for immersive Holodeck-basedexperiences.

In an embodiment, aggregates tiles of seamless curved energy waveguidesprovide mechanical edges following the precise pattern along theboundary of energy inhibiting elements within the energy waveguidestructure to bond, align, or fuse the adjacent tiled mechanical edges ofthe adjacent waveguide surfaces, resulting in a modular and seamlessenergy waveguide system.

In a further embodiment of an aggregated tiled environment, energy ispropagated bidirectionally for multiple simultaneous energy domains. Inan additional embodiment, the energy surface provides the ability toboth display and capture simultaneously from the same energy surfacewith waveguides designed such that light field data may be projected byan illumination source through the waveguide and simultaneously receivedthrough the same energy surface. In an additional embodiment, additionaldepth sensing and active scanning technologies may be leveraged to allowfor the interaction between the energy propagation and the viewer incorrect world coordinates. In an additional embodiment, the energysurface and waveguide are operable to emit, reflect or convergefrequencies to induce tactile sensation or volumetric haptic feedback.In some embodiments, any combination of bidirectional energy propagationand aggregated surfaces are possible.

In an embodiment, the system comprises an energy waveguide capable ofbidirectional emission and sensing of energy through the energy surfacewith one or more energy devices independently paired withtwo-or-more-path energy combiners to pair at least two energy devices tothe same portion of the seamless energy surface, or one or more energydevices are secured behind the energy surface, proximate to anadditional component secured to the base structure, or to a location infront and outside of the FOV of the waveguide for off-axis direct orreflective projection or sensing, and the resulting energy surfaceprovides for bidirectional transmission of energy allowing the waveguideto converge energy, a first device to emit energy and a second device tosense energy, and where the information is processed to perform computervision related tasks including, but not limited to, 4D plenoptic eye andretinal tracking or sensing of interference within propagated energypatterns, depth estimation, proximity, motion tracking, image, color, orsound formation, or other energy frequency analysis. In an additionalembodiment, the tracked positions actively calculate and modifypositions of energy based upon the interference between thebidirectional captured data and projection information.

In some embodiments, a plurality of combinations of three energy devicescomprising an ultrasonic sensor, a visible electromagnetic display, andan ultrasonic emitting device are configured together for each of threefirst relay surfaces propagating energy combined into a single secondenergy relay surface with each of the three first surfaces comprisingengineered properties specific to each device's energy domain, and twoengineered waveguide elements configured for ultrasonic andelectromagnetic energy respectively to provide the ability to direct andconverge each device's energy independently and substantially unaffectedby the other waveguide elements that are configured for a separateenergy domain.

In some embodiments, disclosed is a calibration procedure to enableefficient manufacturing to remove system artifacts and produce ageometric mapping of the resultant energy surface for use withencoding/decoding technologies as well as dedicated integrated systemsfor the conversion of data into calibrated information appropriate forenergy propagation based upon the calibrated configuration files.

In some embodiments, additional energy waveguides in series and one ormore energy devices may be integrated into a system to produce opaqueholographic pixels.

In some embodiments, additional waveguide elements may be integratedcomprising energy inhibiting elements, beam-splitters, prisms, activeparallax barriers or polarization technologies in order to providespatial and/or angular resolutions greater than the diameter of thewaveguide or for other super-resolution purposes.

In some embodiments, the disclosed energy system may also be configuredas a wearable bidirectional device, such as virtual reality (VR) oraugmented reality (AR). In other embodiments, the energy system mayinclude adjustment optical element(s) that cause the displayed orreceived energy to be focused proximate to a determined plane in spacefor a viewer. In some embodiments, the waveguide array may beincorporated to holographic head-mounted-display. In other embodiments,the system may include multiple optical paths to allow for the viewer tosee both the energy system and a real-world environment (e.g.,transparent holographic display). In these instances, the system may bepresented as near field in addition to other methods.

In some embodiments, the transmission of data comprises encodingprocesses with selectable or variable compression ratios that receive anarbitrary dataset of information and metadata; analyze said dataset andreceive or assign material properties, vectors, surface IDs, new pixeldata forming a more sparse dataset, and wherein the received data maycomprise: 2D, stereoscopic, multi-view, metadata, light field,holographic, geometry, vectors or vectorized metadata, and anencoder/decoder may provide the ability to convert the data in real-timeor off-line comprising image processing for: 2D; 2D plus depth, metadataor other vectorized information; stereoscopic, stereoscopic plus depth,metadata or other vectorized information; multi-view; multi-view plusdepth, metadata or other vectorized information; holographic; or lightfield content; through depth estimation algorithms, with or withoutdepth metadata; and an inverse ray tracing methodology appropriatelymaps the resulting converted data produced by inverse ray tracing fromthe various 2D, stereoscopic, multi-view, volumetric, light field orholographic data into real world coordinates through a characterized 4Dplenoptic function. In these embodiments, the total data transmissiondesired may be multiple orders of magnitudes less transmittedinformation than the raw light field dataset.

Selective Propagation of Energy in Light Field and Holographic WaveguideArrays

FIG. 7 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an embodiment of anenergy waveguide system 100 operable to define a plurality of energypropagation paths 108. Energy waveguide system 100 comprises an array ofenergy waveguides 112 configured to direct energy therethrough along theplurality of energy propagation paths 108. In an embodiment, theplurality of energy propagation paths 108 extend through a plurality ofenergy locations 118 on a first side of the array 116 to a second sideof the array 114.

Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 9H, in an embodiment, a first subset 290 ofthe plurality of energy propagation paths 108 extend through a firstenergy location 122. The first energy waveguide 104 is configured todirect energy along a first energy propagation path 120 of the firstsubset 290 of the plurality of energy propagation paths 108. The firstenergy propagation path 120 may be defined by a first chief ray 138formed between the first energy location 122 and the first energywaveguide 104. The first energy propagation path 120 may comprise rays138A and 138B, formed between the first energy location 122 and thefirst energy waveguide 104, which are directed by first energy waveguide104 along energy propagation paths 120A and 120B, respectively. Thefirst energy propagation path 120 may extend from the first energywaveguide 104 towards the second side of the array 114. In anembodiment, energy directed along the first energy propagation path 120comprises one or more energy propagation paths between or includingenergy propagation paths 120A and 120B, which are directed through thefirst energy waveguide 104 in a direction that is substantially parallelto the angle propagated through the second side 114 by the first chiefray 138.

Embodiments may be configured such that energy directed along the firstenergy propagation path 120 may exit the first energy waveguide 104 in adirection that is substantially parallel to energy propagation paths120A and 120B and to the first chief ray 138. It may be assumed that anenergy propagation path extending through an energy waveguide element112 on the second side 114 comprises a plurality of energy propagationpaths of a substantially similar propagation direction.

FIG. 8 is a front view illustration of an embodiment of energy waveguidesystem 100. The first energy propagation path 120 may extend towards thesecond side 114 of the array 112 shown in FIG. 7 in a unique direction208 extending from the first energy waveguide 104, which is determinedat least by the first energy location 122. The first energy waveguide104 may be defined by a spatial coordinate 204, and the unique direction208 which is determined at least by first energy location 122 may bedefined by an angular coordinate 206 defining the directions of thefirst energy propagation path 120. The spatial coordinate 204 and theangular coordinate 206 may form a four-dimensional plenoptic coordinateset 210 which defines the unique direction 208 of the first energypropagation path 120.

In an embodiment, energy directed along the first energy propagationpath 120 through the first energy waveguide 104 substantially fills afirst aperture 134 of the first energy waveguide 104, and propagatesalong one or more energy propagation paths which lie between energypropagation paths 120A and 120B and are parallel to the direction of thefirst energy propagation path 120. In an embodiment, the one or moreenergy propagation paths that substantially fill the first aperture 134may comprise greater than 50% of the first aperture 134 diameter.

In a preferred embodiment, energy directed along the first energypropagation path 120 through the first energy waveguide 104 whichsubstantially fills the first aperture 134 may comprise between 50% to80% of the first aperture 134 diameter.

Turning back to FIGS. 7 and 9A-H, in an embodiment, the energy waveguidesystem 100 may further comprise an energy inhibiting element 124positioned to limit propagation of energy between the first side 116 andthe second side 114 and to inhibit energy propagation between adjacentwaveguides 112. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element isconfigured to inhibit energy propagation along a portion of the firstsubset 290 of the plurality of energy propagation paths 108 that do notextend through the first aperture 134. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting element 124 may be located on the first side 116 between thearray of energy waveguides 112 and the plurality of energy locations118. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 124 may be locatedon the second side 114 between the plurality of energy locations 118 andthe energy propagation paths 108. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting element 124 may be located on the first side 116 or thesecond side 114 orthogonal to the array of energy waveguides 112 or theplurality of energy locations 118.

In an embodiment, energy directed along the first energy propagationpath 120 may converge with energy directed along a second energypropagation path 126 through a second energy waveguide 128. The firstand second energy propagation paths may converge at a location 130 onthe second side 114 of the array 112. In an embodiment, a third andfourth energy propagation paths 140, 141 may also converge at a location132 on the first side 116 of the array 112. In an embodiment, a fifthand sixth energy propagation paths 142, 143 may also converge at alocation 136 between the first and second sides 116, 114 of the array112.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide system 100 may comprisestructures for directing energy such as: a structure configured to alteran angular direction of energy passing therethrough, for example arefractive, diffractive, reflective, gradient index, holographic, orother optical element; a structure comprising at least one numericalaperture; a structure configured to redirect energy off at least oneinternal surface; an optical relay; etc. It is to be appreciated thatthe waveguides 112 may include any one or combination of bidirectionalenergy directing structure or material, such as:

-   -   a) refraction, diffraction, or reflection;    -   b) single or compound multilayered elements;    -   c) holographic optical elements and digitally encoded optics;    -   d) 3D printed elements or lithographic masters or replicas;    -   e) Fresnel lenses, gratings, zone plates, binary optical        elements;    -   f) retro reflective elements;    -   g) fiber optics, total internal reflection or Anderson        Localization;    -   h) gradient index optics or various refractive index matching        materials;    -   i) glass, polymer, gas, solids, liquids;    -   j) acoustic waveguides;    -   k) micro & nano scale elements; or    -   l) polarization, prisms or beam splitters.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide systems propagate energybidirectionally.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are configured for propagationof mechanical energy.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are configured for propagationof electromagnetic energy.

In an embodiment, by interlacing, layering, reflecting, combining, orotherwise provisioning the appropriate material properties within one ormore structures within an energy waveguide element, and within one ormore layers comprising an energy waveguide system, the energy waveguidesare configured for simultaneous propagation of mechanical,electromagnetic and/or other forms of energy.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides propagate energy with differingratios for u and v respectively within a 4D coordinate system.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides propagate energy with ananamorphic function. In an embodiment, the energy waveguides comprisemultiple elements along the energy propagation path.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides are directly formed from opticalfiber relay polished surfaces.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide system comprises materialsexhibiting Transverse Anderson Localization.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguide system propagates hypersonicfrequencies to converge tactile sensation in a volumetric space.

FIGS. 9A-H are illustrations of various embodiments of energy inhibitingelement 124. For the avoidance of doubt, these embodiments are providedfor exemplary purposes and in no way limiting to the scope of thecombinations or implementations provided within the scope of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations118 wherein an energy inhibiting element 251 is placed adjacent to thesurface of the energy locations 118 and comprises a specifiedrefractive, diffractive, reflective, or other energy altering property.The energy inhibiting element 251 may be configured to limit the firstsubset of energy propagation paths 290 to a smaller range of propagationpaths 253 by inhibiting propagation of energy along energy propagationpaths 252. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element is an energyrelay with a numerical aperture less than 1.

FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations118 wherein an energy inhibiting structure 254 is placed orthogonalbetween regions of energy locations 118, and wherein the energyinhibiting structure 254 exhibits an absorptive property, and whereinthe inhibiting energy structure 254 has a defined height along an energypropagation path 256 such that certain energy propagation paths 255 areinhibited. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure 254 ishexagonal in shape. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure254 is round in shape. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure254 is non-uniform in shape or size along any orientation of thepropagation path. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure 254is embedded within another structure with additional properties.

FIG. 9C illustrates the plurality of energy locations 118, wherein afirst energy inhibiting structure 257 is configured to substantiallyorient energy 259 propagating therethrough into a first state. A secondenergy inhibiting structure 258 is configured to allow energy 259, whichis substantially oriented in the first state, to propagate therethrough,and to limit propagation of energy 260 oriented substantiallydissimilarly to the first state. In an embodiment, the energy inhibitingelement 257, 258 is an energy polarizing element pair. In an embodiment,the energy inhibiting element 257, 258 is an energy wave band passelement pair. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 257, 258is a diffractive waveguide pair.

FIG. 9D illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations118, wherein an energy inhibiting element 261 is structured to alterenergy propagation paths 263 to a certain extent depending upon which ofthe plurality of energy locations 118 the energy propagation paths 263extends through. Energy inhibiting element 261 may alter energypropagation paths 263 in a uniform or non-uniform way along energypropagation paths 263 such that certain energy propagation paths 262 areinhibited. An energy inhibiting structure 254 is placed orthogonalbetween regions of energy locations 118, and wherein the energyinhibiting structure 254 exhibits an absorptive property, and whereinthe inhibiting energy structure 254 has a defined height along an energypropagation path 263 such that certain energy propagation paths 262 areinhibited. In an embodiment, an inhibiting element 261 is a field lens.In an embodiment, an inhibiting element 261 is a diffractive waveguide.In an embodiment, an inhibiting element 261 is a curved waveguidesurface.

FIG. 9E illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations118, wherein an energy inhibiting element 264 provides an absorptiveproperty to limit the propagation of energy 266 while allowing otherpropagation paths 267 to pass.

FIG. 9F illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations118, and the plurality of energy waveguides 112, wherein a first energyinhibiting structure 268 is configured to substantially orient energy270 propagating therethrough into a first state. A second energyinhibiting structure 271 is configured to allow energy 270, which issubstantially oriented in the first state, to propagate therethrough,and to limit propagation of energy 269 oriented substantiallydissimilarly to the first state. In order to further control energypropagation through a system, exemplified by the stray energypropagation 272, energy inhibiting structures 268, 271 may require acompound energy inhibiting element to ensure energy propagationmaintains accurate propagation paths.

FIG. 9G illustrates an embodiment of the plurality of energy locations118, and wherein an energy inhibiting element 276 provides an absorptiveproperty to limit the propagation of energy along energy propagationpath 278 while allowing other energy along energy propagation path 277to pass through a pair of energy waveguides 112 for an effectiveaperture 284 within the array of waveguides 112. In an embodiment,energy inhibiting element 276 comprises black chrome. In an embodiment,energy inhibiting element 276 comprises an absorptive material. In anembodiment, energy inhibiting element 276 comprises a transparent pixelarray. In an embodiment, energy inhibiting element 276 comprises ananodized material.

FIG. 9H illustrates an embodiment comprising a plurality of energylocations 118, and a plurality of energy waveguides 112, wherein a firstenergy inhibiting structure 251 is placed adjacent to the surface of theenergy locations 118 and comprises a specified refractive, diffractive,reflective, or other energy altering property. The energy inhibitingstructure 251 may be configured to limit the first subset of energypropagation paths 290 to a smaller range of propagation paths 275 byinhibiting propagation of energy along energy propagation paths 274. Asecond energy inhibiting structure 261 is structured to alter energypropagation paths 275 to a certain extent depending upon which of theplurality of energy locations 118 the energy propagation paths 275extends through. Energy inhibiting structure 261 may alter energypropagation paths 275 in a uniform or non-uniform way such that certainenergy propagation paths 274 are inhibited. A third energy inhibitingstructure 254 is placed orthogonal between regions of energy locations118. The energy inhibiting structure 254 exhibits an absorptiveproperty, and has a defined height along an energy propagation path 275such that certain energy propagation paths 274 are inhibited. An energyinhibiting element 276 provides an absorptive property to limit thepropagation of energy 280 while allowing energy 281 to pass through. Acompound system of similar or dissimilar waveguide elements 112 arepositioned to substantially fill an effective waveguide element aperture285 with energy from the plurality of energy locations 118 and to alterthe propagation path 273 of energy as defined by a particular system.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 124 may comprise astructure for attenuating or modifying energy propagation paths. In anembodiment, the energy inhibiting element 124 may include one or moreenergy absorbing elements or walls positioned within the system to limitpropagation of energy to or from the waveguides 112. In an embodiment,the energy inhibiting element 124 may include a specified numericalaperture, positioned within the system 100 to limit the angulardistribution of energy to and from waveguide 112.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 124 may include one ormore energy blocking walls, structures, metal, plastic, glass, epoxy,pigment, liquid, display technologies or other absorptive or structuralmaterial, with a determined thickness between a plane of energylocations 122 and a waveguide array plane with voids or structures thatare up to the pitch of a waveguide aperture diameter.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure 124 is locatedproximate the first energy location 122 and comprises an optical relayfaceplate adjacent to the first energy location 122. In an embodiment,the energy inhibiting element 124 may include an optical relay faceplatecomprising one or more spatially consistent or variable numericalapertures, wherein the numerical aperture value meaningfully limits theangular distribution of energy to and from the waveguide 112. Forexample, an embodiment of the numerical aperture may be designed toprovide an angular distribution that is at or near two times the fieldof view formed between the energy location and perpendicular to thecenter of the effective waveguide element size, entrance pupil,aperture, or other physical parameter for energy propagation, to provideoff-axis fill factor for the specified waveguide aperture 134.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 124 may include abinary, gradient index, Fresnel, holographic optical element, zone plateor other diffractive optical element that alters the path of energywaves through the system to decrease scatter, diffusion, stray light, orchromatic aberration. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element124 may include a positive or negative optical element at or around thelocation wherein the energy propagation path is altered to furtherincrease the fill factor of the waveguide aperture 134 or decrease straylight. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 124 may includean active or passive polarized element combined with a second active orpassive polarized element designed to provide spatial or timemultiplexed attenuation of defined regions of the energy location 122,waveguide aperture 134, or other regions. In an embodiment, the energyinhibiting element 124 may include an active or passive aperture stopbarrier designed to provide spatial or time multiplexed attenuation ofdefined regions of the energy location 122, waveguide aperture 134, orother regions. In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting element 124 manyinclude any one the following or any combination thereof:

-   -   a) physical energy baffle structures;    -   b) volumetric, tapered or faceted mechanical structures;    -   c) aperture stops or masks;    -   d) optical relays and controlled numerical apertures;    -   e) refraction, diffraction, or reflection;    -   f) retro reflective elements;    -   g) single or compound multilayered elements;    -   h) holographic optical elements and digitally encoded optics;    -   i) 3D printed elements or lithographic masters or replicas;    -   j) Fresnel lenses, gratings, zone plates, binary optical        elements;    -   k) fiber optics, total internal reflection or Anderson        localization;    -   l) gradient index optics or various refractive index matching        materials;    -   m) glass, polymer, gas, solids, liquids;    -   n) milli, micro & nano scale elements; and    -   o) polarization, prisms or beam splitters

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure 124 may be constructedto include hexagonally packed energy blocking baffles constructed toform voids that are tapered along the Z axis, decreasing in void size asthe aperture stop location for the waveguide system is reached. Inanother embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure 124 may beconstructed to include hexagonally packed energy blocking baffles bondedto an optical relay face plate. In another embodiment, the energyinhibiting structure 124 may be constructed to include hexagonallypacked energy blocking baffles filled with a prescribed refractive indexto further alter the path of energy wave projection to and from theenergy waveguide array. In another embodiment, a diffractive orrefractive element may be placed, attached or bonded to the energyblocking baffle with a defined waveguide prescription to further alterthe path of energy projection to and from the waveguide elements 112. Inanother example, the energy inhibiting structure 124 may be formed intoa single mechanical assembly, and the energy waveguide array 112 may beplaced, attached or bonded to the assembled energy inhibiting element124. It is to be appreciated that other implementations may be leveragedto enable other energy waveguide configurations or super-resolutionconsiderations.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting structure 124 may be locatedproximate the first energy location 122 and generally extend towards thefirst energy waveguide 104. In an embodiment, the energy inhibitingstructure 124 may be located proximate the first energy waveguide 104and generally extend towards the first energy location 122.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting elements are configured forinhibiting electromagnetic energy.

In an embodiment, the energy inhibiting elements are configured forinhibiting mechanical energy.

In an embodiment, by interlacing, layering, reflecting, combining, orotherwise provisioning the appropriate material properties within one ormore structures within an energy inhibiting element, and within one ormore layers comprising an energy waveguide system, the energy inhibitingelements are configured for simultaneous attenuation of mechanical,electromagnetic and/or other forms of energy.

In an embodiment, an array of energy waveguides may be arranged to forma planar surface, or a curved surface of a desirable shape. FIG. 13 isan illustration of an embodiment 1100 featuring an array of energywaveguides 1102 arranged in a curved configuration.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to direct energyof any wavelength belonging to the electromagnetic spectrum, includingvisible light, ultraviolet, infrared, x-ray, etc. The present disclosuremay also be configured to direct other forms of energy such as acousticsound vibrations and tactile pressure waves.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an additional embodiment of an energywaveguide system 300. The energy waveguide system 300 may define aplurality of energy propagation paths 304, and may comprise a reflectorelement 314 comprising a first reflector 306 located on a first side 310of the reflector element 314, the first reflector 306 comprising one ormore aperture stops 316 formed therethrough, and a second reflector 308located on a second side 312 of the reflector element 314, the secondreflector 308 comprising one or more aperture stops 318 formedtherethrough. The first and second reflectors 306, 308 are configured todirect energy along a plurality of energy propagation paths 304extending through the aperture stops of the first and second reflectors316,318 and a plurality of energy locations 320 on the first side 310 ofthe reflector element 314. A first subset 322 of the plurality of energypropagation paths 304 extend through a first energy location 324. Thereflector element 314 is configured to direct energy along a firstenergy propagation path 326 of the first subset 322 of the plurality ofenergy propagation paths 304.

In an embodiment, the first energy propagation path 326 may be definedby a first chief ray 338 formed between the first energy location 324and a first aperture stop 328 of the first reflector 306. The firstenergy propagation path 326 may extend from a first aperture stop 330 ofthe second reflector 308 towards the second side 312 of the reflectorelement 314 in a unique direction extending from the first aperture stop330 of the second reflector 308, which is determined at least by thefirst energy location 324.

In an embodiment, energy directed along the first energy propagationpath 326 substantially fills the first aperture stop 328 of the firstreflector 306 and the first aperture stop 330 of the second reflector308.

In an embodiment, an energy inhibiting element 332 may be positioned tolimit propagation of energy along a portion of the first subset 322 ofthe plurality of energy propagation paths 304 that do not extend throughthe first aperture stop 328 of the first reflector 306.

In an embodiment in which the energy is light and the energy waveguideis operable to direct said light, with a perfect parabolic structure,any ray that passes through, or from, the focus of the first reflectorwill reflect parallel to the optical axis, reflect off of the secondreflector, and then relay at the same angle in the inverse orientation.

In an embodiment, the first reflector and second reflector havediffering focal lengths, in order to produce varied magnification of theenergy information and/or to alter angular field of view coverage as aviewer from above the surface of the second reflector would view thereflected information. The aperture stops may be of differing sizes forvaried design purposes in collaboration with the varied focal lengths.

An additional embodiment is provided where both reflective surfaces areconical, faceted, curved in a non-linear shape or otherwise. The designof this curvature is critical to ensuring that the display informationand the viewed information may have a non-linear relationship to changeor simplify signal processing.

In an embodiment, the energy waveguides comprise flexible reflectivesurfaces capable of altering the reflective surface profile dynamicallyto change the propagation path of energy through the energy waveguidesystem.

In an embodiment, additional waveguides, including but not limited toreflective or optical elements, birefringent materials, liquid lenses,refractive, diffractive, holographic, or the like, may be locatedanywhere within the energy propagation path. With this approach, onesuch embodiment provides a design such that when viewed, the view anglesare at significantly different position than the aperture stop and focallength would have provided otherwise. FIG. 11 demonstrates one suchapplication of this approach.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an embodiment of an energy waveguidesystem 700. Energy waveguide system 700 comprises first and secondreflectors 702 and 704, respectively. Positioned at the focus of thesecond reflector 702 are additional optical elements 706 and an energyinhibitor 707 perpendicular to the energy location 708. The additionaloptical elements are designed to affect energy propagation paths ofenergy propagating through energy waveguide system 700. Additionalwaveguide elements may be included within the energy waveguide system700, or additional energy waveguide systems may be placed into theenergy propagation path.

In an embodiment, the array of energy waveguide elements may include:

-   -   a) A hexagonal packing of the array of energy waveguides;    -   b) A square packing of the array of energy waveguides;    -   c) An irregular or semi-regular packing of the array of energy        waveguides;    -   d) Curved or Non-planar array of energy waveguides;    -   e) Spherical array of energy waveguides;    -   f) Cylindrical array of energy waveguides;    -   g) Tilted regular array of energy waveguides;    -   h) Tilted irregular array of energy waveguides;    -   i) Spatially varying array of energy waveguides;    -   j) Multi-layered array of energy waveguides;

FIG. 12 highlights the differences between square packing 901, hexpacking 902 and irregular packing 903 of an array of energy waveguideelements.

Energy waveguides may be fabricated on a glass or plastic substrate tospecifically include optical relay elements if desirable and may bedesigned with glass or plastic optical elements to specifically includeoptical relays as well as desired. Furthermore, the energy waveguide maybe faceted for designs that provide multiple propagation paths or othercolumn/row or checkerboard orientations, specifically considering butnot limited to multiple propagation paths separated by beam-splitters orprisms, or tiled for waveguide configurations that allow for tiling, ora singular monolithic plate, or tiled in a curved arrangement (e.g.faceted cylinder or spherical with geometry alterations to the tiles tomate accordingly), curved surfaces to include but not limited tospherical and cylindrical or any other arbitrary geometry as requiredfor a specific application.

In an embodiment where the array of energy waveguides comprises a curvedconfiguration, the curved waveguide may be produced via heat treatmentsor by direct fabrication onto curved surfaces to include optical relayelements.

In an embodiment, the array of energy waveguides may abut otherwaveguides and may cover entire walls and/or ceilings and or roomsdepending on specific application. The waveguides may be designedexplicitly for substrate up or substrate down mounting. The waveguidemay be designed to mate directly to an energy surface or be offset withan air gap or other offset medium. The waveguide may include analignment apparatus to provide the ability to focus the plane activelyor passively either as a permanent fixture or a tooling element. Thepurposes of the geometries described is to help optimize the angle ofview defined by the normal of the waveguide element and the representedimagery. For a very large energy surface planar surface, the majority ofthe angular samples at the left and right-most of the surface are mainlyoutside of the viewing volume for an environment. For that same energysurface, with a curved contour and a curved waveguide, the ability touse more of these propagating rays to form the converging volume isincreased significantly. This is however at the expense of usableinformation when off-axis. The application specific nature of the designgenerally dictates which of the proposed designs will be implemented.Furthermore, a waveguide may be designed with regular, graduated, orregional element structures that are fabricated with an additionalwaveguide element to tilt the element towards a predetermined waveguideaxis.

In embodiments where the energy waveguides are lenses, the embodimentsmay include both convex and concave lenslets, and may include thefabrication of the lenses directly onto an optical relay surface. Thismay involve destructive or additive lenslet fabrication processes toinclude removal of material to form or stamp and lenslet profile, or thedirect replica fabricated directly to this surface.

An embodiment may include a multiple layered waveguide design thatprovides additional energy propagation optimizations and angularcontrol. All of the above embodiments may be combined togetherindependently or in conjunction with this approach. In an embodiment, amultiple layered design may be envisioned with tilted waveguidestructures on a first waveguide element and a regionally varyingstructure for a second waveguide element.

An embodiment includes the design and fabrication of a per element orper region liquid lens waveguide joined together as a single waveguide.An additional design of this approach includes a single birefringent orliquid lens waveguide electrical cell that can modify an entirewaveguide array simultaneously. This design provides the ability todynamically control the effective waveguide parameters of the systemwithout redesigning the waveguide.

In an embodiment configured to direct light, with any combination of thedisclosures provided herein, it is possible to generate a wall mounted2D, light field or holographic display. The wall mounted configurationis designed such that a viewer is looking at an image that may float infront, at or behind of the designed display surface. With this approach,the angular distribution of rays may be uniform, or provided withincreased density at any particular placement in space depending onspecific display requirements. In this fashion, it is possible toconfigure the waveguides to alter angular distribution as a function ofsurface profile. For example, for a given distance perpendicular to thedisplay surface and a planar waveguide array, an optically perfectwaveguide would provide increased density at the perpendicular center ofthe display with a gradual increase in ray separation distance along agiven perpendicular distance to the display. Conversely, if viewing therays radially about the display where a viewer maintains a distancebetween the eyes and the center point of the display, the viewed rayswould maintain consistent density across the entire field of view.Depending on the anticipated viewing conditions, the properties of eachelement may be optimized by altering the waveguide functions to produceany potential distribution of rays to optimize the viewing experiencefor any such environment.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an embodiment 1200 which highlights how asingle waveguide element function 1202 may produce identicaldistribution of energy 1204 across a radial viewing environment 1206,whereas the same waveguide element function 1202 when propagated at adistance 1208 that is constant and parallel to the waveguide surface1210 will appear to exhibit increased density at the waveguide elementcenter 1212 of the waveguide surface and decreased density further fromthe center 1212 of the waveguide surface.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an embodiment 1300 which illustratesconfiguring the waveguide element functions 1302 to exhibit uniformdensity at a constant distance 1304 parallel to the waveguide surface1306 that simultaneously produces apparent lower density at the center1310 of the waveguide surface 1306 when measured about a radius 1308about the center of the waveguide surface 1306.

The ability to generate a waveguide function that varies samplingfrequency over field distance is a characteristic of various waveguidedistortions and known in the art. Traditionally, the inclusion ofdistortions are undesirable in a waveguide function, however, for thepurposes of waveguide element design, these are all characteristics thatare claimed as benefits to the ability to further control and distributethe propagation of energy depending on the specific viewing volumerequired. It may require the addition of multiple functions or layers ora gradient of functions across the entirety of the waveguide arraydepending on the viewing volume requirements.

In an embodiment, the functions are further optimized by curved surfacesof the energy surface and/or the waveguide array. The variation of thenormal of the chief ray angle in relation to the energy surface itselfmay further increase efficiency and require a different function than aplanar surface, although the gradient, variation and/or optimization ofthe waveguide function still applies.

Further, leveraging the resultant optimized waveguide array inconsideration of waveguide stitching methodologies, it is possible tofurther increase the effective size of the waveguide by tiling each ofthe waveguides and systems to produce any size or form-factor desired.It is important to note that the waveguide array may exhibit a seamartifact unlike the energy surface by virtue of reflections producedbetween any two separate substrates, the apparent contrast differentialat the mechanical seam, or due to any form of non-square grid packingschema. To counteract this effect, either a larger singular waveguidemay be produced, refractive matching materials may be leveraged betweenthe edges of any two surfaces, or regular waveguide grid structures maybe employed to ensure that no elements are split between two waveguidesurfaces, and/or precision cutting between energy inhibiting elementsand seaming along a non-square waveguide grid structure may beleveraged.

With this approach, it is possible to produce room scale 2D, light fieldand/or holographic displays. These displays may be seamless across largeplanar or curved walls, may be produced to cover all walls in a cubicfashion, or may be produced in a curved configuration where either acylindrical-type shape, or a spherical-type shape is formed to increaseview angle efficiency of the overall system.

Alternatively, it is possible to design a waveguide function that warpsthe propagated energy to virtually eliminate the region that is notdesired in the required angle of view resulting in a non-uniformdistribution of energy propagation. To accomplish this, one mayimplement a Taurus shaped optical profile, annular lens, concentricprism array, a Fresnel or diffractive function, binary, refractive,holographic, and/or any other waveguide design may allow for a largeraperture and shorter focal length (herein will be referred to as a“Fresnel lenslet”) to provide the ability to practically form a singleor multi element (or multiple sheets) Fresnel waveguide array. This mayor may not be combined with additional optics, including an additionalwaveguide array, depending on waveguide configuration.

In order to produce wide energy propagation angles (e.g. 180 degrees) avery low effective f/number (e.g. <f/.5) is required and in order toensure that no 4D “Disk Flipping” occurs (the ability for the ray fromone waveguide element to see undesired energy locations underneath ofany second waveguide element), it is further required that the focallength be appropriately matched closely to the angle of view required.This means that in order to produce a 160 degree viewing volume, an˜f/.17 lens and a nearly matched ˜.17 mm focal length is required.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment 1400 wherein the plurality of energywaveguides comprise diffractive waveguide elements 1402, anddemonstrates one proposed structure for a modified Fresnel waveguideelement structure 1404 that produces an effectively extremely shortfocal length and low f/number while simultaneously directing rays ofenergy to explicitly defined locations 1406.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment 1500 wherein the plurality of energywaveguides comprise elements 1502, and demonstrates how such a waveguideconfiguration 1506 may be used in an array to provide full density ofray propagation for the desired viewing volume 1504.

A further embodiment of the proposed modified waveguide configurationprovides for a method to produce radially symmetric or spiraling ringsor gradient of two or more materials along either or both of atransverse or longitudinal orientation with a refractive index separatedby a predetermined amount with a per ring pitch with a diameter of X,where X may be constant or variable.

In a further embodiment, equal or non-linear distribution of all of therays are produced with or without the modified waveguide configurationsfor wall-mounted and/or table-mounted waveguide structures as well asall room or environment based waveguide structures where multiplewaveguides are tiled.

With a waveguide array, it is possible to produce planes of projectedlight that converge in space at a location that is not located at thesurface of the display itself. By ray-tracing these rays, one canclearly see the geometry involved and how converging rays may appearboth in-screen (away from the viewer) as well as off-screen (towardsviewer) or both simultaneously. As planes move away from the viewer onplanar displays with traditional waveguide array designs, the planestend to grow with the frustum of the viewpoint and may become occludedby the physical frame of the display itself depending on the number ofcontributing illumination sources. By contrast, as planes move towardthe viewer on planar displays with traditional waveguide array designs,the planes tend to shrink with the frustum of the viewpoint but areviewable from all angles at the specified location as long as the vieweris at an angle presenting energy to the eye and the virtual plane doesnot move beyond the angle created between the viewer and the far edge ofthe active display area.

In one embodiment, the viewed 2D image or images are presented off ofthe screen.

In another embodiment, the viewed 2D image or images are presented inscreen.

In another embodiment, the viewed 2D image or images are presentedsimultaneously both in and/or off screen.

In another embodiment, the viewed 2D image or images are presented incombination with other volumetric elements or presented as text forother graphic design or interactive reasons.

In another embodiment, the viewed 2D image or images are presented withhigher effective 2D resolution than the physical number of X and Ywaveguide elements would otherwise suggest due to the ability for raysto converge with higher density in space than physical elements.

The novelty of this approach is that it is entirely possible tomanufacture a holographic display that produces both volumetric imagingcapabilities, as well as extremely high resolution 2D imagery such thatthere is no further mechanical or electronic apparatus or alterationsnecessary to the waveguides in the display to move seamlessly betweenflat and volumetric imagery or produce other interesting effects.

With this property, it is possible to programmatically isolate certainillumination sources to present to a viewer that is only visible atexplicit angles to the display.

In one embodiment, a single pixel or group of pixels are illuminatedunder each waveguide element at an angle that triangulates to theviewer's eye and presents an image that is only viewable from thatviewer's position in space.

In another embodiment, a second illumination source or group ofillumination sources are presented simultaneously to triangulate to aposition that is only viewable by a second viewer and contains an imagethat may be the same or different than the first image presented to thefirst viewer. For the avoidance of doubt, this may be X addressableviewpoints where X represents the number of individually addressableviewpoints which may be one or more.

In another embodiment, these images are presented with eye, retinal,object or the like tracking leveraging sensors and algorithms known inthe art, to dynamically vary the illuminated pixel location to presentimagery dynamically to a triangulated location between the viewer andthe pixels under each waveguide element. This may be applied to one ormore viewers. The tracking may be performed as a 2D process or as a3D/stereoscopic process, or leveraging other depth sensing technologiesknown in the art.

In one embodiment, the first region and second region are both parabolicin profile, with the first region focus located at the apex of thesecond region and the second region focus located at the apex of thefirst region and the display surface located at an opening located atthe apex of the second region and an opening equivalent to the diameterof the display surface presented to the apex of the second regionlocated at the apex of the first region. With this approach, the displaysurface image will appear to float above a surface without any physicalsurfaces as the viewed rays that pass through the focus of the secondregion from an off-axis viewpoint will reflect off of the second regionsurface and parallel off of the first surface and then at the same anglefrom the viewed position in the inverse orientation from the firstregion to the display surface.

In an embodiment, a dual parabolic relay system that includes tworeflective regions each with a focus located at the apex of thealternate reflector, the display surface located at the apex of thesecond region, and an opening equivalent to the diameter of thepresented display surface located at the first region producing avirtual image of the display surface. In the event that a waveguidearray, holographic or light field display are leveraged, the viewedimagery will retain the nature of the holographic data as well asappearing to float in space without a physical display surface.

In another embodiment, the focus location of region two is differing toproduce magnification or minification. In a second embodiment, theregions have matched focal lengths and are offset by a distance greaterthan the focal length in order to produce a virtual image with increasedmagnification.

In another embodiment, the parabolic profiles are manufactured toaccommodate a specific shape that results in differing viewed positionsfrom the display to accommodate various display surface geometries orother required viewing angle or condition.

In another embodiment, the regions contain multiple facets in order toindependently propagate rays of light by facet region rather than as asingular surface.

In another embodiment, the reflective surface are formed of energyrelays such that the CRA of the energy surface exceeds the view anglepossible from the curve applied to one or more surface(s) wherein thefirst surface that would have otherwise been a reflective surface has acertain geometric profile and the second surface at the alternate end ofthe waveguide element has a certain geometric profile, and cumulativelythey have a CRA that reflects energy from a viewer's position and theaddition of energy surface panels at the second surface may beimplemented thereby providing energy information that is not viewablefrom the viewer's direct position but may provide energy informationindirectly through one or more reflective surfaces and the associatedcalibration process required to compute the reflected imaging data inrelation to the ultimately viewed data.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosedherein have been described above, it should be understood that they havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not limiting. Thus, thebreadth and scope of the invention(s) should not be limited by any ofthe above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only inaccordance with the claims and their equivalents issuing from thisdisclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are providedin described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of suchissued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all ofthe above advantages.

It will be understood that the principal features of this disclosure canbe employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerousequivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Suchequivalents are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure andare covered by the claims.

Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistencywith the suggestions under 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to provideorganizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize theinvention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure.Specifically, and by way of example, although the headings refer to a“Field of Invention,” such claims should not be limited by the languageunder this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, adescription of technology in the “Background of the Invention” sectionis not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art toany invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to beconsidered a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issuedclaims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” inthe singular should not be used to argue that there is only a singlepoint of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be setforth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing fromthis disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s),and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, thescope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light ofthis disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forthherein.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,”and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims isused to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer toalternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, althoughthe disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternativesand “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used toindicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for thedevice, the method being employed to determine the value, or thevariation that exists among the study subjects. In general, but subjectto the preceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modifiedby a word of approximation such as “about” may vary from the statedvalue by at least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 or 15%.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or method steps.

Words of comparison, measurement, and timing such as “at the time,”“equivalent,” “during,” “complete,” and the like should be understood tomean “substantially at the time,” “substantially equivalent,”“substantially during,” “substantially complete,” etc., where“substantially” means that such comparisons, measurements, and timingsare practicable to accomplish the implicitly or expressly stated desiredresult. Words relating to relative position of elements such as “near,”“proximate to,” and “adjacent to” shall mean sufficiently close to havea material effect upon the respective system element interactions. Otherwords of approximation similarly refer to a condition that when somodified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfect butwould be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in the artto warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent towhich the description may vary will depend on how great a change can beinstituted and still have one of ordinary skilled in the art recognizethe modified feature as still having the required characteristics andcapabilities of the unmodified feature.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to allpermutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term.For example, A, B, C, or combinations thereof is intended to include atleast one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important ina particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB.Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations thatcontain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC,AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan willunderstand that typically there is no limit on the number of items orterms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein canbe made and executed without undue experimentation in light of thepresent disclosure. While the compositions and methods of thisdisclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, itwill be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may beapplied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in thesequence of steps of the method described herein without departing fromthe concept, spirit and scope of the disclosure. All such similarsubstitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art aredeemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the disclosure asdefined by the appended claims.

1. An energy waveguide system for defining a plurality of energypropagation paths comprising: an array of energy waveguides, the arraycomprising a first side and a second side, and being configured todirect energy therethrough along a plurality of energy propagation pathsextending through a plurality of energy locations on the first side;wherein a first subset of the plurality of energy propagation pathsextend through a first energy location; wherein a first energy waveguideis configured to direct energy along a first energy propagation path ofthe first subset of the plurality of energy propagation paths, the firstenergy propagation path defined by a first chief ray formed between thefirst energy location and the first energy waveguide, and furtherwherein the first energy propagation path extends from the first energywaveguide towards the second side of the array in a unique directionwhich is determined at least by the first energy location; and whereinenergy directed along the first energy propagation path through thefirst energy waveguide substantially fills a first aperture of the firstenergy waveguide; and an energy inhibiting element positioned to limitpropagation of energy along a portion of the first subset of theplurality of energy propagation paths that do not extend through thefirst aperture.
 2. The energy waveguide system of claim 1, wherein theenergy inhibiting element is located on the first side between the arrayof energy waveguides and the plurality of energy locations.
 3. Theenergy waveguide system of claim 1, wherein the first energy waveguidecomprises a two-dimensional spatial coordinate, and wherein the uniquedirection determined at least by the first energy location comprises atwo-dimensional angular coordinate, whereby the 2D spatial coordinateand the 2D angular coordinate form a four-dimensional (4D) coordinateset.
 4. The energy waveguide system of claim 3, wherein energy directedalong the first energy propagation path comprises one or more energyrays directed through the first energy waveguide in a direction that issubstantially parallel to the first chief ray.
 5. The energy waveguidesystem of claim 1, wherein energy directed along the first energypropagation path converges with energy directed along a second energypropagation path through a second energy waveguide.
 6. The energywaveguide system of claim 5, wherein the first and second energypropagation paths converge at a location on the second side of thearray.
 7. The energy waveguide system of claim 5, wherein the first andsecond energy propagation paths converge at a location on the first sideof the array.
 8. The energy waveguide system of claim 5, wherein thefirst and second energy propagation paths converge at a location betweenthe first and second sides of the array.
 9. The energy waveguide systemof claim 1, wherein each energy waveguide comprises a structure fordirecting energy, the structure selected from a group consisting of: a)a structure configured to alter an angular direction of energy passingtherethrough; b) a structure comprising at least one numerical aperture;c) a structure configured to redirect energy off at least one internalsurface; d) an energy relay.
 10. The energy waveguide system of claim 1,wherein the energy inhibiting element comprises a structure forattenuating or modifying energy propagation paths, the structureselected from a group consisting of: a) an energy blocking structure; b)an element configured to alter a first energy propagation path to altera fill factor of the first aperture; c) a structure configured to limitan angular extent of energy proximate the first energy location.
 11. Theenergy waveguide system of claim 10, wherein the structure configured tolimit an angular extent of energy proximate the first energy locationcomprises an optical relay faceplate adjacent to the first energylocation.
 12. The energy waveguide system of claim 10, wherein theenergy blocking structure comprises at least one numerical aperture 13.The energy waveguide system of claim 10, wherein the energy blockingstructure comprises a baffle structure.
 14. The energy waveguide systemof claim 10, wherein the energy blocking structure is positionedadjacent to the first energy waveguide and generally extends towards thefirst energy location.
 15. The energy waveguide system of claim 10,wherein the energy blocking structure is positioned adjacent to thefirst energy location and generally extends towards the first energywaveguide.
 16. The energy waveguide system of claim 1, wherein the arrayof energy waveguides are arranged to form a planar surface.
 17. Theenergy waveguide system of claim 1, wherein the array of energywaveguides are arranged to form a curved surface.
 18. The energywaveguide system of claim 1, wherein energy directed along the firstenergy propagation path is electromagnetic energy defined by awavelength, the wavelength belonging to a regime selected from a groupconsisting of: a) visible light; b) ultraviolet; c) infrared; d) x-ray.19. The energy waveguide system of claim 1, wherein energy directedalong the first energy propagation path is mechanical energy defined bypressure waves, the waves selected from a group consisting of: a)tactile pressure waves; b) acoustic sound vibrations.
 20. An energywaveguide system for defining a plurality of energy propagation pathscomprising: an array of lenslets, the array comprising a first side anda second side, and being configured to direct energy therethrough alonga plurality of energy propagation paths extending through a plurality ofenergy locations; wherein a first subset of the plurality of energypropagation paths extend through a first energy location; wherein afirst lenslet is configured to direct energy along a first energypropagation path of the first subset of the plurality of energypropagation paths, the first energy propagation path defined by a firstchief ray formed between the first energy location and the firstlenslet, and further wherein the first energy propagation path extendsfrom the first energy waveguide towards the second side of the array ina unique direction which is determined at least by the first energylocation; and wherein energy directed along the first energy propagationpath through the first lenslet substantially fills a first aperture ofthe first lenslet; and an energy inhibiting element positioned to limitpropagation of energy along a portion of the first subset of theplurality of energy propagation paths that do not extend through thefirst aperture. 21.-32. (canceled)